FantasticFest 2019 Movies: Memory Origins Of Alien

Published

5 years ago

October 13, 2019

Les Weiler

Alexandre O. Philippe (Director)

‘Memory: Origins of Alien’ does exactly what I hope documentaries will do… provide me with new connections I’d never seen in a subject I thought I knew. When I sat down to watch this film, I assumed I’d see a critical breakdown of the infamous ‘chestburster’ scene, and I was excited for that alone. I’m a nerd for YouTube channels that explain the subtle ways that film works, how narrative, visuals, and sound combine and interact with the audience and the world at large. If director Alexandre O. Phillippe had given me nothing but a cold breakdown of one of my favorite practical effects scenes, I’d have walked away happy.

Instead, I got much more.

‘Memory…’ takes the story of Dan O’Bannon’s short script of the same name, and fleshes out the connections between it, the Greek myths of The Furies, and the eventual Alien franchise in ways I hadn’t considered. Between all this, it explores the challenges of designing the Xenomorph and also the Nostromo, as well as all the other stylistic choices that layered atop O’Bannon’s idea. Francis Bacon, Robert Altman and more are referenced and their influence demonstrated in an engaging narrative that left me feeling more in love with the original film than before.

The best explanations leave the magic of curiosity intact. By showing how the chestburster trick worked, or by examining the roots of the fear at work in the Alien franchise, Phillippe could have explained away the awe of the final piece. Instead, he engages with the material and the audience in a way that shows love for the source, with interviews that reveal the lasting power of what was created from these elements and collaborations.
I’d recommend anyone with a passing interest in the Alien franchise or a curiosity about how art can survive production realities check out this doc. You’ll surely find something interesting and maybe even brand new to love about the original movie, and deepen the mythological connections in the larger franchise.

Streaming

What to Expect from the New Season of Squid Game: Thrills, Twists, and High Stakes

Published

9 hours ago

September 12, 2024

Angie Quidim

The highly anticipated new season of Squid Game is set to deliver even more nail-biting suspense and shocking twists that fans of the global phenomenon have come to love. As the series returns, viewers can expect an escalation in the deadly games, with new challenges that push participants to their physical and psychological limits.

In this season, the stakes are higher than ever as a new group of contestants enters the arena, each with their own desperate reasons for participating. The games are more dangerous, the alliances more fragile, and the betrayals more heartbreaking. With the introduction of new characters and deeper insights into the shadowy organization behind the games, Season 2 promises to expand the *Squid Game* universe in unexpected ways.

The creators have teased that the upcoming challenges will be more complex and terrifying, testing not only the contestants’ physical endurance but also their moral boundaries.

Expect to see returning characters facing new dilemmas, as well as fresh faces whose backstories will tug at viewers’ heartstrings.

The new season is rumored to feature shocking revelations about the origins of the games and the true motivations of the game’s organizers, ensuring that fans remain on the edge of their seats.

Squid Game has captivated audiences with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and social commentary, and Season 2 is poised to take these elements to the next level. Fans can brace themselves for a roller-coaster of emotions as the game continues with even more at stake.

Streaming

Bonjour sweet love patisserie review

Published

1 day ago

September 11, 2024

Angie Quidim

Rating: 7/10

Platform Crunchyroll

Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie is a delightful treat for fans of romance and cooking anime. Set in the prestigious Fleurir Confectionary Academy, the story follows Sayuri Haruno, a kind-hearted girl who enrolls in the school’s special confectionery course. Surrounded by handsome male instructors and fellow students, Sayuri navigates the world of baking while developing sweet friendships and potential romances.

The anime shines in its charming character interactions, light-hearted humor, and visually appealing desserts that are sure to make your mouth water. However, with episodes running around five minutes each, the series sometimes feels a bit rushed. The plot, while enjoyable, is fairly predictable, sticking closely to typical reverse harem tropes. That said, its short length makes it a perfect watch for those looking for a quick and sweet anime fix.

While Bonjour Sweet Love Patisserie may not break new ground in the genre, it does what it sets out to do well: offering a sugary escape into a world of love, pastries, and heartwarming moments.